Strikes on Ras Lanuf in Libya create an impasse on the eastern front

Fighting continues in Libya where, on Tuesday, government aircraft launched several airstrikes on Ras Lanuf, and hospital officials said at least 20 people were injured. Combined with tanks and artillery backing government forces about 30 miles west of the port city, the warplanes have halted the rebels’ advance toward Tripoli, the capital.

The attacks appear designed to pin down rebels and cow those among the civilian population who support the rebellion against Libyan leader Moammar Kadafi. Even when just blasting craters in the desert, they have a terrorizing effect.